Steadman Hawkins Denver Clinic Review

I am a soon to be an eighty year old Army nurse vet who has osteoarthritis of the right knee. My doctor ordered an orthopedic consult in September 2020,at the Steadman Hawkins clinic in Englewood Colorado. Xrays were taken, a shot was injected, and off the shelf knee brace was applied. The staff assured me all would be covered by Medicare. They had me sign a paper that if not covered I would pay. I EXPRESSED CONCERN at that time and was assured it was only a formality, Medicare would pay. Three months later I received a bill for the brace 1,215 dollars. I called billing at UCH and after resubmitting the claim just before Christmas the bill came to 729 dollars I still had to pay. I feel I was falsely led to believe all would be covered. I would happily return this brace as it is nothing special, but because of covid they wouldn't take it back. You know, too many old people licking knee braces (how else would you get covid from a knee brace??)

Medicare and Tricare for life picked up the tab for shot and xrays,Medicare stated they were not convinced that I needed the brace. I have a high FICO score,take bills seriously, this is draining on my health physically and mentally. Sure would like this solved as I feel I was unjustly hoodwinked into this whole situation. What am I to do, let us not try to take advantage of old people.

I am writing this to let all others be aware and avoid this place, go somewhere you feel you can trust and this is not it.

Terrible providers. Never saw or spoke with an MD before surgery. I was misdiagnosed by the PA who was willing to let me sit in extreme pain with no hand function despite an obvious diagnosis. He could not find the broad side of a barn. The surgeon then magically diagnosed from behind a closed door without ever laying eyes on me until she picked up a knife the day of surgery. She did not ask a single question to verify her PA's assessment. Fast forward two weeks post surgery. The clinic canceled my appointment in error and then after an hour drive to get there, was told they could not see me for weeks. Stitches are now getting infected and I was told that the only person I can see is the PA.

Great first appointment with Teresa Alpert, she is incredibly knowledgeable and I d recommend anyone seeing her. The hospital will make you question where our medical care is headed. The staff are rude. The front desk check in process requires deep breathing. The delays in getting my insoles were atrocious (45+ days). Come with hours to spare and a good book or two.

I worked in the ski industry, and knew several people who had knee surgery with Dr. Schlegel. (Now I am one of the crew!) Having a referral helped to ease my concerns, and every staff member I interacted with was pleasant and professional. The facilities and treatment left no doubt in my mind that I made the right choice. My roommate got surgery elsewhere a few months later, and I was shocked by the comparison. After going here, I now have very high expectations for any future medical procedures.

Edit: i can't figure out how to leave a second review, so I'm adding on (from almost a year later ) . I can guarantee most of the negative reviews are based on insurance / billing, not the services or facilities.

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Sadly, i have become a repeat customer. I highly recommend this facility for your sports related injuries. I am glad I got referred here through multiple ski knee friends.

I have worked with half a dozen physical therapists at Steadman Hawkins, and they all seemed to care about their patients well-being. I've seen people of all ages attending sessions, and leaving with a sense of confidence.

From the surgeons, to support staff- everyone I've interacted with are all quite caring and concerned with your recovery. Hopefully I don't have to see them again soon, but I won't hesitate to go back.

(I did witness one angry lady screaming about billing, but that's the way it is with our Healthcare system - she didn't hesitate to continue on demanding her appointment)

I appreciate the help i received from everyone involved

Dr Noonan, Garry, Jill and the entire team is such a blessing! They repaired my meniscus and answered to all my questions! Such a great facility

DO NOT GO HERE: The doctors do not care about you one little bit unless you're a professional athlete.

I injured my ankle badly playing basketball. I have been a basketball player my whole life so I am accustomed to ankle sprains but I knew this one was far worse. When I went in they took and x-ray and not an MRI. I was told there was a slight break and to wear a boot for a month. After that month I go back in and the doctor does even glance at the ankle. He tells me I am good to go with some physical therapy. Even though I felt like there was still significant ligament damage I went to the physical therapy. Six months later and almost no progress made. I am still in a lot of pain and have no mobility, even just walking around when I was supposed to be 100% by then. They tell me NOW I have to go get an MRI. Which should have happened right away or at least at the follow up.

MRI shows I need surgery. Needed it the whole time. They tell me they will call me to schedule. They never do. I go to see another surgeon at Steadman in hopes of getting someone who sort of cares. This surgeon says I absolutely need surgery and they will reach out immediately to schedule. Guess what? They never do.

I am coming up on one year of not being able to be active. I used to play sports, hike, exercise 6-7 days a week and for nearly 12 months I have not been able to since these people couldn't care less about the humans they treat. Now I need to find a real surgeon and begin another 6 months of recovery. Thank you Steadman Hawkins for taking a year of activities from my life.

DO NOT GO HERE THIS PLACE IS AWFUL

I came here to get a 2nd opinion regarding a bone spur in my heel that I was told required surgery to fix. Dr. Metzl was amazing in recommending a non-surgical alternative and comprehensive plan. His solution, combined with physical therapy follow ups, have made me pain free and put me back to my normal routine WITHOUT needing surgery. His resume speaks for itself and Dr. Metzl is one of the best you'll find. I've seen some of the PT reviews on here and I must say my experience was nothing short of amazing. Yes, you do have to plan ahead and make the appoints well ahead of time, but that's because there is a demand for these appointments (for a reason). My therapist (Danielle) was always on time or early for well over two months of weekly appointments. She was even prepared with notes on a plan for that day and then adjusted that plan based on how the past week went for me. She listened to any question or concerns I had and took all the time needed to make sure I understood the answers and that all my questions were resolved. Danielle not only healed the residual pain and issues with my situation, but actually motivated me to improve my lifestyle and exercise plan. She developed a plan to address both the foot area as well as other areas that needed strengthening to help avoid a repeat injury. I cannot say enough positive things about Dr. Metzel and Danielle who made me well again without surgery. I would HIGHLY recommend this UC Health location.

Had shoulder surgery after visiting this clinic for a second opinion. 15 minutes into meeting with Gary (PA) I knew that my best chance to getting back to my normal life was here. Kind, knowledgeable and professional describes every person that I have had contact with. From nurses, clerks, doctors, PTs, etc. I am currently 3 weeks post op., and every PT that I have seen comments how great the shoulder feels (I live 7 hours away and I am doing local PT). This place and people in it makes the drive worth it.

Ideal experience from beginning to end! The representative who helped me get an appointment did an outstanding job, was very friendly and got me in to see the doctor the next day (unheard of). The check-in process was super easy. I didn't have to sign a mountain of paperwork. I waited in the lobby for all of 2 min before being seen. They got me back for X-rays within 5 min. The doctor was thorough, professional, knowledgeable and made me feel confident that I made the right decision. He gave me his recommendation but left it up to me on how I would like to procede with my situation. I appreciated that he was not pressuring me into making a decision. No wonder why this place works on all of the players from the Broncos, Nuggets, Avalanche and every other top tier athlete within a 100 mile + radius. They know what they are doing and it shows. I wish every office was as good as this one.